PLANT ECOPHYSIOLOGY

Compulsory/Elective

Code

Semester

Lectures

Practicals

Credits

ECTS

Elective

13A802

8th

4 Hrs/Wk

3 Hrs/Wk

5

5,5

Aims:

The course introduces students to fundamental concepts of plant ecophysiology, i.e. strategies, tactics and adaptive mechanisms of plants grown under ambient, natural conditions. Focus is specifically placed on: the abiotic environment of plants, seed ecophysiology, ecophysiology of photosynthesis, inorganic nutrition and environmental stress, the role of secondary metabolites, aspects of conservation biology (i.e. ecophysiology of endangered plant species) and sexual reproduction. Emphasis is given to the native plants of the Mediterranean ecosystems.

Objectives:

At the end of the course students should: a) Have developed a deep understanding of the importance of Plant Environmental Physiology, b) Have acquired enhanced knowledge on plant functions and processes in the field, c) Be able to develop cogent and critical arguments based on analyzing and assessing relevant data and information, d) Be able to perform, analyze and report on experiments and observations making use of up-to-date technological tools, e) Be able to defend and orally present projects in related topics, f) Have made progress into thinking in a critical and integrative way, g) Have made progress in enhancing both their individual and group work skills, h) Have made steps towards respecting life and natural environment as well as exercising self assessment and criticism.

Students are assessed throughout the course by both oral and written reports and exams. The theoretical part and the practicals are marked independently; students need to acquire passing marks for each of them and their relative weight on the final course mark is equal (50% each).